Fluid Conduit Connector with Anti-Rotation Keys
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid-bearing conduits, particularly those made of materials like fused silica, face issues with fracturing when subjected to axial, radial, and rotational forces, leading to particle generation that blocks the fluid path, especially when connecting conduits of different materials.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a body with passageways, sealing members, and compression fittings that apply rotational forces while preventing conduit rotation through key and keyway mechanisms, along with elastomeric cores for secure fluid-tight seals, addresses the fracturing issue by ensuring controlled contact and alignment of conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression fittings apply rotational forces to compress sealing members for leak-resistant connection, then sealing performance is improved, but conduits made of materials like fused silica may fracture due to rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The compression fitting is divided into two independent sets: one set (keys and keyways) prevents rotation of the conduit, while the other set compresses the sealing member. This segmentation allows the rotational function and compression function to be decoupled, eliminating the harmful rotational forces on fragile conduits while maintaining effective sealing compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary between the compression fitting and the conduit. The compression fitting compresses the sealing member, which in turn applies the sealing force to the conduit interface. This intermediary approach allows compression to be applied without directly applying rotational forces to the conduit itself.
2Reliability
If compression fittings apply forces to compress sealing members, then fluid-tight seal is achieved, but particles may be generated from conduit fracturing and block fluid path
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the rotation prevention function from the compression function through distinct key-way and compression mechanisms, the invention eliminates conduit fracturing that would otherwise generate particles. The sealing compression is achieved without the harmful rotational component that causes material failure and particle generation.
3Reliability
If existing connectors apply axial and radial forces to bring conduit surfaces into contact, then fluidic connection is established, but fracturing occurs in fragile materials like fused silica
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member serves as a mediator that transmits the compression force from the fitting to the conduit interface. Instead of applying forces directly to bring conduit surfaces into contact, the compression fitting compresses the sealing member, which then establishes the fluid-tight connection, protecting the conduit from direct mechanical stress that would cause fracturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a leak-resistant, fracture-free connection that maintains fluid integrity by preventing conduit rotation and ensuring secure, controlled compression, thereby preventing particle generation and ensuring reliable fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric core portion... configured to compress, when the compression fitting is tightened, radially inward against the conduit inserted into the elastomeric core portion
Implementation Method 2
a compression fitting... configured to compress the elastomeric core portion
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a first conduit to a second conduit including a body having a passageway therethrough, a first cavity and a second cavity, a first sealing member, a second sealing member, a first compression, a second compression fitting, a first set of one or more keys and one or more mated key ways for preventing rotation of the first conduit when the first sealing member is compressed, and a second set of one or more keys and one or more mated key ways for preventing rotation of the second conduit when the second sealing member is compressed, wherein each of the first cavity and the second cavity in the body is configured to receive one of the sealing members or a detachable holder configured to receive one of the sealing members.